Claude Giroux would like to play in Montreal

“I don’t think he’d say no. I did an event not long ago and I rubbed shoulders with one of his buddies from youth and he told me he’d like to play in Montreal.”

– André Roy

Is this a classic “well, he’d like that” with no ulterior motive or real information? Is it really a “childhood friend” versus a guy he played baseball with one summer in high school?

Either way, it gives us a reason to talk about his candidacy. Giroux will be a free agent, but will he really want to leave Ottawa? After all, he’s a local guy, even if he grew up a Canadiens fan and has already admitted that he secretly wanted to be drafted by Montreal in 2006. He’s been part of the Sens project for the past three years, acting as a positive leader with the club’s youngsters. At the same time, the clock is ticking on whether he wants to don the blue-white-and-red jersey one day. Will the lure of Ivan Demidov work?

Here’s what he had to say after his club’s elimination. An important summer for a guy who still feels he can make an impact.

Many questions, few answers. Would you consider it?

Overtime

– Marcotte thinks it will be Primeau in front of the Rocket net.

– Canadiens hockey heads in demand.

– Cutting the Mammoth.